A 79th-minute goal helped lead Rider past the Canisius College men’s soccer team on Wednesday afternoon, 2-1. The loss drops the Griffs to 6-9-2 on the season and 2-6-1 in MAAC play, while the Broncs improve to 8-8-1 and 3-5-1 against league foes.

“Outside of the first 20 minutes, I thought we played well today,” said Canisius head coach Dermot McGrane. “After missing a penalty, we did a good job of getting ourselves back in the game and tying it up. We were then unfortunate to give up Rider’s second goal as it was against the run of play and we had them pinned in their half.”

Canisius was awarded a penalty kick in the sixth minute of play when the Rider goalkeeper was called for a foul in the box. However, the goalie made up for his mistake and saved the ensuing kick to keep the game knotted at zero.

The Broncs then took advantage on the other end with a goal in the 17th minute of play when Christian Flath finished from close range for the 1-0 Rider lead.

The Griffs squared the contest at one in the 32nd minute of play when freshman Thomas Teupen netted his first collegiate goal. The rookie defender headed in a long throw-in from senior Andrew Incho, tying the game.

Rider, however, would again reclaim the lead in the 79th minute of play when Justin Veltri netted his second goal of the season to give the Broncs a 2-1 advantage. Canisius was then unable to find the equalizer in the final 11-plus minutes as Rider secured the victory.

The Broncs finished the game with a 17-12 advantage in shots and an 8-3 edge in corner kicks. Freshman John Hollinger stopped a career-best six saves for the Griffs, while David Pastuna recorded five saves for Rider.

Canisius wraps up the 2013 season on Saturday, hosting Monmouth at the Demske Sports Complex. The Senior Night contest is set for 7 p.m.